THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUly 18, 2025 Page 7 Freshman Spotlight: Northeast Metro Tech students bring teacher’s coming-of-age novel to life in heartfelt performance Special to Th e Advocate A Northeast Metro Tech freshman English class read a novel written by their teacher and then turned the book into a heartfelt short play that they performed earlier this year, using the opportunity to show off their literary skills, dramatic talents and deep understanding of the story’s themes. Teacher Ryan Standley wrote the coming-ofage novel “To the Top of Greenfield Street,” which was published in 2020. The book, which is now available from booksellers nationwide, tells the story of a teenage boy growing up in the 1990s in a small town in northern Illinois. English Teacher Laurie Leone learned about the book while discussing it with Superintendent David DiBarri, who proposed incorporating the book into the curriculum. “Superintendent DiBarri was interested in the idea that we had an actual author in our midst, and he saw it as a unique scenario and opportunity,” Leone said. Leone and Standley collaborated to create a curriculum around the book and had 19 students in a freshman English class read and analyze the book. Students then crafted a play through character analysis, scene development and creative interpretation, selecting favorite chapters, adapting scripts and crafting engaging performances that captured the essence of Standley’s work. Student actors and staff from Northeast Metro Tech joined together after students in Laurie Leone and Ryan Standley’s English class performed a play that was based on a book written by Standley. (Photo Courtesy Northeast Metro Tech) The students immersed the audience in the struggles and triumphs of teenage life by incorporating props, sound eff ects and dramatic techniques. The event culminated in a touching moment as students presented Standley with fl owers, followed by an insightful author Q&A, where audience members were able to explore his inspiration and writing journey. A true celebration of literature, storytelling and student creativity, the performance was met with enthusiasm and admiration, marking a memorable day in the classroom. Students participating in the play were George Berry, Thomas Forestier and Dominic Pineda of Revere; Donald Cahill of Reading; Sofi a DeCarvalho, Jack Johnson and Amanda Rocha of Woburn; Ashley Gutierrez Calix, Giselle Benitez Valdivieso and Jacqueline Hernandez Santos of Chelsea; Michael Fronduto, Christian Hernandez and Ava FRESHMAN SPOTLIGHT | SEE PAGE 12 A rare opportunity for first-time homebuyers to own an affordable condo in Malden! own an affordable Affordable Homes for Sale in Malden! 5 Newly Built Affordable Condos Scan QR to apply APPLY ONLINE OR IN PERSON How to apply www.tndinc.org 4 Gerrish Ave Rear, Chelsea, MA 02150 Applications also available by mail or email. rdable Condos VAILABLE BYLOTTERY pply INFO SESSIONS Dates July 7, 2025 - October 2, 2025 Please note: Deadline: Must be postmarked by October 2, 2025 WHO CAN APPLY: First-Time Homebuyers Meet income & asset limits (see AMI chart) Assets must be under $75K for 80% AMI households. Assets must be under $150K for 100% AMI households. Restrictions Apply – Units have resale and use restrictions Questions or Accommodations? Call Winn Management: 617-884-0692 | TTY: 800-439-2370 CHECK INCOME LIMITS & PRICES BY HOUSEHOLD SIZE Where: Malden City Hall August 5, 2025 6PM September 4, 2025 6PM Lottery Date Thursday, October 16, 2025 (Attendance not required) APPLICATION PERIOD: omes alden! AVAILABLE BY LOTTERY Teacher Ryan Standley (at left with fl owers) was thanked by students and staff after a performance of a play based on the book “To the Top of Greenfi eld Street,” which Standley wrote. Following the play, students engaged in an insightful Q&A with Standley about his inspiration and writing journey. (Photo Courtesy Northeast Metro Tech) 272 Cross Street LLC and Winn Management do not discriminate because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, handicap, disability, national origin, genetic information, ancestry, children, familial status, marital status or public assistance recipiency in the sale or transfer of apartment units, buildings, and related facilities, including land that they own or control. Visit Our Website for more info www.tndinc.org Equal Housing Opportunity
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